Hey there! My name’s Jason Finkelstein, and I’m a member of USC Dornsife’s class of 2015, originally out of Oakland Technical High School, in Oakland (duh), California. I’m a Thematic Option student double majoring in International Relations and Cognitive Science, with a minor in Economics. Even with that heavy load of coursework, I believe that tons (if not most) of my education here at college has and will come from outside of the classroom! With that in mind, I try to make the most of ALL the opportunities offered here at USC.

-Last summer, I traveled to SWEDEN, RUSSIA, and FINLAND with two Dornsife professors to to do research on the ARCTIC. Looking at geopolitical, resource, and environmental issues (among others), we met with and interviewed various diplomats (including big name Ambassadors!), business leaders, academics, think tank experts, and more. Luckily, this was largely funded by Dornsife’s Student Undergraduate Research Fund.

-I’m a member of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, or Sammy. Greek Life can be a huge part of one’s life at USC should they wish it to be. I’ve held a few different leadership positions and made some of my best friends at Sammy.

-I am a member of the Teaching International Relations Program (TIRP), where (mainly) IR majors go to local LA high schools and teach basic IR concepts — there’s a BIG world outside of Los Angeles!

-I’m part of Los Angeles Community Impact (LACI), an on-campus consulting group that works in small teams with local non-profits and small businesses. My first client is Attagirl, Inc., a non-profit that works to help battered women get back on their feet!

-I’m part of the Campus Entrepreneurship Initiative through USC Hillel, where we are given a budget to engage Jewish students across USC to help them fulfill their goals academically, extracurricularly, and socially.

-And of course, I’m a member of Dornsife Ambassadors!

In my spare time, I try and make it to class every so often…..just kidding! I’m also a dedicated student.